KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has restrained the customs authorities from taking any coercive action against the petitioner on a constitutional petition filed by M/s Scorpio Enterprises and General Trading, seeking release of its consignment of textile synthetic staple fiber filament stuff detained by customs authorities.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Yousaf Ali Saeed, was hearing the petition.
Earlier, counsel for the Customs Department sought time to file para wise comment, therefore, the court continued interim order and adjourned the matter. On the last date of hearing, the court had restrained the Customs Department from taking any coercive action against the petitioner.
Earlier, counsel for the petitioner stated that it is engaged in the lawful import and misc items such as textile synthetic staple fibre and fabric from China and other countries, petitioner imported a consignment of textile synthetic staple fibre filament stuff and filed goods declaration according with law.
According to the counsel, during the examination, officials of the customs department declared its consignment as polyester stretchable jersey (dyed) fabric of china and hold the consignment, due to illegal action of the officials of the customs authorities, petitioner is facing heavy demurrage and detention charges which was accumulating day by day.
Citing chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Collector Customs Collectorate Appraisement East, Deputy Collector Customs Collectorate Appraisement and other as respondents, counsel for the petitioner pleaded the court to direct them to release consignment and restrain them from taking any coercive action against it.